Experiential Family Therapy (of Carl Whitaker)

Introduction Experiential therapy emerged from the humanistic wing of psychology that was focussed on the immediate, here-and-now experience, which was most popular in the 1960's and 70's. Therapists focussed on the needs of the individual as they attempt to facilitate family interaction, resulting in the individuality of each member. As Becvar and Becvar (2000) asserted, the hallmarks of experiential family therapy were the importance of individuality, personal freedom and self-fulfillment (pp.181). Thus, efforts to reduce defensiveness …

…No.8 (pp. 1021-1028). Napier, Augustus (1987). Later stages in family therapy. Contemporary family therapy, Vol. 9, No. 1-2 (pp.42-55). Napier, A. and Whitaker, C. (1978). The family crucible. New York: Harper and Row. Nichols, M. and Schwartz, R. (2001). The essentials of family therapy. Toronto, ON: Allyn & Bacon. Whitaker, C. and Keith, D. (1981). Symbolic experiential family therapy. In Gurman, A. and Kniskern, D. (Eds.) Handbook of family therapy. (pp. 187-225). Philadelphia, PA: Brunner/Mazel Written: Nov. 2001